The Manhattan Beach Farmers Market will hold its 16th anniversary celebration on Tuesday, July 12, with a variety of special festivities and a blood drive.

The farmers' market, which runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., will feature kids' activities, live music, and raffle prizes on the hour.

Visitors may sign up at the market's information booth to win $50 worth of carrot coins and a choice of farmers market market swag, including baskets, tees, aprons, and ball caps.

 

At Tuesday's market celebration there will also be a blood drive. (Note that the blood drive will begin at 10:00 a.m., while the market opens at 11:00 a.m.) Donate blood to receive an In-N-Out or Baskin Robbins gift card, or a limited edition blood donor t-shirt. You may register in advance here (use group code MBFM) or call 626-261-9842.

Also don't miss the Where's Waldo? scavenger hunt, which continues through the month of July. Find where Waldo is hiding at the market and get a special carrot stamp on your Where's Waldo? passport. (You can stop by the manager's booth for a special hint if you are stumped.)

The Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professionals Association (DBPA) started the market in July 2006 to create a community gathering place in which farm fresh and organic foods could be purchased on a weekly basis.

The market is held every Tuesday in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach, offering fresh locally grown produce, specialty ranchers, sustainably sourced fresh fish and seafood, and a wealth of artisanal foods; as well as weekly community and local business booths, kids' activities, and live music.